Monday, August 19, 2013

Transylvania, a place having several reasons to visit. Both geographically and historically, it is an interesting place. The history of it lies behind the Vlad III Tepes or commonly called as “Dracula” and the geography lies in its natural scenery. Many medieval forts, castles, fortified churches, fortified citadels, tall mountains and ski resorts are available here. Some of the destinations listed below are worth to visit.

5. Saxon Fortified Churches

Hamruden/Homorod, Saxon Fortified Church by Tudor Seulean on flickr.com

Bonnesdorf/Boian saxon fortified church by Tudor Seulean on flickr.com

Rothbach/Rotbav Fortified Saxon church by Tudor Seulean on flickr.com

Zeiden/Codlea Fortified Saxon church by Tudor Seulean on flickr.com

The countryside of Transylvania is sprinkled with Fortified Saxon Churches. They are fortified as the country was often invaded from both the East and the West and to protect themselves, people built huge walls around their churches. Many invaders like the Mongols ruthlessly invade over the country. After the construction of fortified churches, it was difficult to invade the country so the invaders moved away without hurting them. However, in case the invaders still got inside then, the churches had a safe place behind its thick metallic doors where the villagers of the country could assemble if needed. It is quite interesting to see these fortified churches which have a great past behind them.

4. Poiana Brasov Ski-Resort

Poiana Brasov Ski Resort by Matt Bigwood on flickr.com

Kanzel, Poiana Brasov by Stefan Tanase on flickr.com

view from ski resort Poiana Brasov by Travis Ferland on flickr.com

This ski resort is located 12 km from Brasov. It is an exotic place as surrounded from all sides by four mountains Bucegi, Piatra Craiului, Postavaru, and Piatra Mare. It is the most popular Ski Resort among children. Atlas Mountain can also be seen from there. Hotels of this place look like medieval castle having a torture chamber and decorated in a Gothic style. It is a perfect place for Ski enthusiasts as it provides great opportunities.

3. Transylvanian Alps and Balea Lac

Transylvanian Alps by ktLaurel on flickr.com

Balea Lac by Ioana Bancos on flickr.com

Transylvanian alps by ange & ivan on flickr.com

The Transylvanian Alps or the Transfagarasan Mountains as they are sometimes called are quite imposing. They are tall enough and it is difficult to pass through them. However, the Transfagarasan highway is there to go across the mountains. Balea Lac is one of the stops along the highway, which is a lodge located high up the mountains. This place is exceedingly beautiful and is used for extreme skiing in winter. Sometimes in winter, they built an ice hotel over there to give the picturesque view of the lodge. Mountains with lodge mesmerize anyone to live there for the whole life.

2. Bran Castle or Dracula Castle

Bran Castle (Dracula castle) by Hugo Pelinski on flickr.com

Bran Castle by Josh Thielen o flickr.com

Bran Castle by Piero Damiani on flickr.com

Bran castle made out of the Dracula’s Castle is very popular among the citizens of Europe. Hearing the name of Dracula only make anyone exciting but until now there is no proof that Dracula ever stayed there. Many stories related to the past of Dracula is there. It is a fun place for all to visit. The theme of the castle is the Vlad Tepes Dracula. Inscriptions and paintings of Dracula make it a horrible site among kids. Outside the castle, there is a beautiful village museum and a market area from where one can purchase various Dracula themed items like Vampire mask, blood, etc.

1. Sighisoara

Sighisoara Citadel Square by alezhi on flickr.com

Sighisoara by dorombach on flickr.com

Sighisoara Citadel by RayMorris1 on flickr.com

Sighisoara is considered the birthplace of Prince “Vlad Tepes” or “Vlad Tepes Dracula”. He was born here in 1431 in a three storey house. This town is well preserved in the world and on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is the most beautiful and well-preserved citadel in Europe. It contains authentic medieval architecture and is one of the fortified towns, which is still inhabited. The buildings of this town are just imagination. Gothic ambiance spread all around the town. As we know that it is the birthplace of Dracula, so it is often considered the Vampire Capital of the World. The main sites visited by most of the people are Sighisoara Citadel, Weapon Museum, Covered Staircase, Church on the Hill and Bust of Vlad Tepes.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Mauritius has its unique character. It has a special vibe and attractiveness associated with it. Mauritius offers a beautiful blend of culture, shopping, historical legacy and much more. The gorgeous island of Mauritius is a beautiful place and is famous for its eternal attractions. Everything about this place attracts tourists. One can enjoy mouth watering food, vivid nightlife, beaches and much more.

shopping mall, source: flickr.com/photos/infiknight/5829663566/

Mauritius has a lot of options for leisure and recreational activities. It is definitely a perfect place for holidays. The beautiful environment is very pleasing and relaxing. The shopping experience in Mauritius is simply amazing. It is a paradise for shoppers as numerous shopping malls, street shops and boutiques are there to quench their shopping thirst. One can get their hands on the new fashion clothes, handbags, shoes, accessories, etc. Local artwork and crafts are perfect souvenirs for friends and relatives.

Besides shopping, water sports and beaches, Mauritius has a lot to offer to its tourists. It becomes a whole new place during the night. Once the Sun is down, Mauritius gets alive. The nightlife is very attractive and is an amazing experience. Numerous nightclubs, bars and restaurants are there, which makes the nightlife in Mauritius more colorful and exciting. The food in Mauritius makes it more interesting. One can get all variety of cuisines like Indian, Chinese, Spanish, Mexican, etc. in Mauritius. Different café and restaurants provide fantastic food that can please the taste buds of anyone.

In totality, the beautiful island of Mauritius is a perfect holiday destination. It is a great combination of both calmness and excitement. Spending holidays in Mauritius will surely add a memorable chapter in your life.

Planning for a holiday on the Island is like a dream come true and Maldives makes a wonder if you are planning for it. White sand, coconut palm, marine life, coral reefs, all sets it apart from the other islands. Diving facility on most of the resorts is another thing that attracts the tourists across the globe. Lots of operators are available who offers scuba diving. Many youngsters are very keen to dive in the Maldives especially because of the presence of a colorful variety of fishes like whale sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, reef rays, hammerhead sharks and moray eels and many other small fishes. The finest live-aboard dive boats and luxury resorts on the globe, makes it an unforgettable dive holiday.